Venezuela Referendum Passes = Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president, is heading for victory

[L. Coyote]

Google News has aljazeera.net as the lead story of 1538 so far! Hello, any newspapers in Venezuela??

Do post other links of interest to this news here.

=================
Chavez 'wins Venezuela referendum' - 1 hour ago
Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president, is heading for victory in a referendum on ... She said: "Once again, Venezuela has shown the world that we are a ...
Aljazeera.net - 1538 related articles »
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/6CC0DF52-0963-4235-BBD1-93B158D0F43A.htm

Chavez 'wins Venezuela referendum'

Chavez says the constitutional changes are vital
to his '21st century socialism'
Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president, is heading for victory in a referendum on allowing him to remain in power as long as he keeps winning elections, two government-linked sources said citing exit polls.

Three exit polls showed Chavez won by between six and eight points in a vote where turnout was low, they told Reuters news agency.

If confirmed, the results would be by far the slimmest victory margin in the career of a man who wants to rule for life.

Most pre-vote opinion surveys predicted a close referendum on the raft of constitutional changes that the opposition and even some longtime former allies say are authoritarian.

.................

[Joanne98]

1. I'm trying to get it confirmed from a LW source!!!!

[Robbien]

34. How about Reuters, Canada?

Chavez wins Venezuela vote

By Saul Hudson and Ana Isabel Martinez

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez appeared headed for victory on Sunday in a referendum on allowing the leftist to rule for as long as he keeps winning elections, government-linked sources said, citing exit polls.

Three exit polls showed the anti-American leader won by between six and eight percentage points in a vote where turnout was low, the two sources said.

http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-12-02T233438Z_01_N02357212_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-VENEZUELA-REFERENDUM-COL.XML

[L. Coyote]

67. Chávez on to a winner with referendum gamble

Chávez on to a winner with referendum gamble
· Venezuelans back leader's attempt to extend powers
· Exit polls predict victory but turnout is low
Rory Carroll in Caracas - Dec 3, 2007 - The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/venezuela/story/0,,2220803,00.html


President Hugo Chávez appeared to have won a narrow but convincing victory yesterday in a referendum on constitutional reforms which would cement his power in Venezuela.

Two government exit polls suggested most voters approved sweeping revisions to abolish presidential term limits and enshrine socialism. The opposition was sombre but did not immediately concede defeat.

Turnout appeared to be low despite claims from both sides that a yes vote would mark a radical acceleration towards what Chávez terms "21st century socialism". The 53-year-old president said last week he would rule until 2050, as long as he continued winning elections.

...............

Chávez in his own words:

'Before the world, I accuse the imperialist government of the United States of promoting my assassination'

'Hitler could be the boss of the CNN'

[L. Coyote]

54. The CNE expects to give its first bulletin within an hour or an hour and a half

CNE gave the green light for voting centers to close down around 4 ...
VHeadline.com, IL - 3 minutes ago
December 02, 2007 - Vanessa Carolina Marcano - http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=77201


If these polls are confirmed, the news agencies report, Chavez' proposal would win by 6 to 8 points, amidst high abstention rates.

VHeadline.com correspondent Vanessa Carolina Marcano writes: The National Elections Commission (CNE) gave the green light for voting centers to start closing down at around 4:30 p.m. if there were no more people waiting in lines.

Abstention apparently still remained high, as several spokespersons and journalists continued calling Venezuelans to get out to vote.

With this announcement, CNE president Tibisay Lucena also took the opportunity to thank and commend all those voting center witnesses and volunteers who worked jointly with the CNE and Plan Republica to carry out the Constitutional referendum process, as well as the peaceful essence of political organizations and the Venezuelan people in general.

Up until about 6:00 p.m., around 40% of voting centers were still open, especially in smaller cities, but most have now closed.

* The CNE expects to give its first bulletin within an hour or an hour and a half -- 7:30 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. local Caracas time; and, allegedly, General Raul Baduel is scheduled to give a press conference soon after.

.................

[L. Coyote]

57. Student leader Goicoechea calls anti-reform bloc to stay in balloting centers

As voting is wrapping up, it sounds like the exit polls leaked out in Venezuela too!
Also, not how in Venezuela, votes are counted and audited "in the balloting stations."

=============
Student leader Goicoechea calls anti-reform bloc to stay in balloting centers
http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/02/en_refco_art_student-leader-goico_02A1239283.shtml

Yon Goicoechea, an outstanding student leader with the Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB), congratulated the balloting stations' staff nationwide and urged people to stay in the balloting centers to count the votes cast in Sunday referendum.

"We are faced with a challenge in the next hour. Let us check all of the balloting records. Let us show the democratic vocation of Venezuelans. Let us check the results against the records."

He rejected the fact that some people are spreading rumors intended to "discourage people who are still casting their ballots." "We have many reasons to stay in the balloting stations, namely, checking the records and defending the vote."

"All of the witnesses are going to stay in the balloting stations for public audits."

[L. Coyote]

73. AP: CARACAS = Chavez Seeks Sweeping Changes in Vote

Chavez Seeks Sweeping Changes in Vote
IAN JAMES - AP - December 2, 2007; 8:51 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/02/AR2007120200522.html?hpid=topnews


CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Hugo Chavez sought to cement his power and end presidential term limits in a vote Sunday that the government and opposition said was too close to call.

"The result of the referendum is close," Vice President Jorge Rodriguez said from Chavez's campaign headquarters. "We will respect the result, whatever it is -- even it's by one single vote."

He said some polling stations remained open late and the electoral council was still awaiting results from 20 percent of them.

"We'll honor the referee's decision, and we call on the other side to do the same," Rodriguez said.

Opposition leader Julio Borges also said the results were very close, likening the vote to a photo finish.

Caravans of Chavez's supporters took to the streets honking horns and blaring celebratory music as they anticipated victory after most polls closed. Opposition leaders did not concede and called for their supporters to closely monitor the ballot count.

............

[L. Coyote]

75. BREAKING: resultado “reñido” y pide esperar “con paciencia” boletín del CNE

Comando Zamora anuncia resultado “reñido” y pide esperar “con paciencia” boletín del CNE
http://www.globovision.com/news.php?nid=72682

El vicepresidente ejecutivo, Jorge Rodríguez, anunció en nombre del Comando Zamora, que el resultado del referendo sobre la reforma constitucional “está muy reñido” y llamó a esperar “con paciencia” el primer boletín del Consejo Nacional Electoral. Ratificó que reconocerán “sin chistar” los resultados emanados del CNE.

“Queremos decirle al mundo entero que como auténticos demócratas que somos, exhortamos que debe esperarse el boletín emanado por el CNE (…) Pareciera que el nerviosismo está en otras partes imponer una matriz diferente a la que el CNE debe decir. Está reñido el resultado, nosotros le comunicamos al país que el resultado está reñido”.

..........

[L. Coyote]

74. Extraoficial: Se han escrutado aproximadamente el 75% de las actas y ya oficialistas celebran

Extraoficial: Se han escrutado aproximadamente el 75% de las actas y ya oficialistas celebran
domingo, 02 diciembre 2007 20:08
http://www.noticiasdevenezuela.com.ve/nacionales/2-politica/48-extraoficial-se-han-escrutado-aproximadamente-el-75-de-las-actas-y-ya-oficialistas-celebran

Extraoficialmente pudimos conocer que hasta las 8 de la noche se han escrutado aproximadamente el 75% de las actas y ya se pueden observar afectos al oficialismo, algunos en vehículos oficiales, circulando por el centro de Caracas celebrando anticipadamente la victoria. En las inmediaciones del Palacio de Miraflores ya hay una tarima con una pancarta gigante que dice "Ahora Sí" y algunos afectos se encuentran celebrando con música y fuegos artificiales. Lo mismo pasa en El Calvario.

[L. Coyote]

77. NY TIMES: For Venezuela, Tension Mounts With Close Vote

This is in contrast to the Caracas news, reporting, extra-officially, that with 75% of votes it passed.
The officials are waiting until a specific percentage of polling centers report the vote.
In Caracas, it is been reported that voting ended peacefully.

=================
For Venezuela, Tension Mounts With Close Vote
By SIMON ROMERO - Dec 3, 2007 - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/03/world/americas/03venezuela.html?hp

CARACAS, Venezuela, Dec. 2 — From the unusually quiet streets of this capital to the hushed tones of state television announcers, Venezuela was on edge Sunday night as voters awaited the outcome of a contentious referendum that would give President Hugo Chávez sweeping new constitutional powers.

Hours after the polls closed Sunday, the government still had not released official results, causing political leaders to speculate that the vote was too close to call.

That would be a stunning development in a country where Mr. Chávez and his supporters control nearly all of the levers of power.

“The result will be quarrelsome,” Vice President Jorge Rodríguez said in comments broadcast on national television.

Both supporters and critics of the president pointed to exit polls in their favor, suggesting a disputed outcome to the vote. Electoral officials said official results could be released late Sunday evening or early Monday, after reports from polling stations around the country trickled in here.

............

[L. Coyote]

78. Petroleumworld.com: "too close to decide, both government and opposition leaders said late Sunday."

Venezuela poll too close to call: officials
CARACAS - Petroleumworld.com - 12/03/2007
http://www.petroleumworld.com/story07120323.htm


The result of a controversial referendum in Venezuela to expand President Hugo Chavez's powers was too close to decide, both government and opposition leaders said late Sunday.

"The result is neck-and-neck," said Vice President Jorge Rodriguez, who headed up Chavez's campaign.

Julio Borges, one of the leaders of the movement that opposed the referendum, also said "it is very tight."

Electoral workers were counting "yes" and "no" ballots into the night to determine the outcome of the closely fought duel, watched over by university students from the opposition camp and poll observers.

Win or lose, the closeness of the result represented a blow to Chavez, who had confidently predicted a 10-point lead going into Sunday's vote.

It was the biggest act of defiance he has ever faced at the ballot box in his eight years in power.

.................

[L. Coyote]

79. Extraoficial: Según AFP el NO ganaría con el 57% de los votos.

A French news agency is claiming a 57% victory for the NO vote!!

===============
Extraoficial: Según AFP el NO ganaría con el 57% de los votos.
02 diciembre 2007 22:49 - http://www.noticiasdevenezuela.com.ve/nacionales/2-politica/53-extraoficial-segun-afp-el-no-ganaria-con-el-57-de-los-votos

Según la agencia de noticias francesa AFP el NO ganaría por un margen del 57%, todo esto ante la tardanza del pronunciamiento oficial que estaba pautado para las 10:00pm de esta noche. El panorama durante el transcurso de la noche ha cambiado del dar por ganador al SÍ por un estrecho margen a favorecer a última hora al NO.

Lo cierto es que en las calles del centro de Caracas continúan circulando vehículos celebrando una supuesta victoria del SÍ, pero fue desmontada la tarima que estaba frente al Palacio de Miraflores para celebrar la victoria del SÍ.

[EFerrari]

2. Don't worry. Enjoy the quiet for now. n/t

[msongs]

3. el presidente for life. bush must be green with ..... something nt

[malaise]

16. Even if he wins he will not be President for life

It will simply remove term limits. He will be no different than the British or Australian leaders.

[L. Coyote]

35. Too many R talking points getting into DU! Says a lot, doesn't it!

[EFerrari]

37. N'importa. Thanks for all your posts, L. Coyote. I burned out

last week so it was really great to be able to just read a little. :)

[malaise]

47. Bingo

Some people don't do their homework

[ileus]

80. Only until he's 85...

[EFerrari]

4. I forgot something.

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Que Viva el Pueblo!

[Solar_Power]

6. Would we call it "victory" if Bush did the same?

I guess not.

[EFerrari]

8. Speak for yourself. Bush couldn't and never would do the same. n/t

[Cha]

21. bushits wouldn't have

a vote on a referendum..they just let 9/11 happen and call it TERRORISTS and Red Alerts the rest of their coup.

bushits are too mofo chickenshithawks to do anything Chavez has done.

[LakeSamish706]

24. Sorry, but thats not comparing apples with apples in that case! n/t

[Warren Stupidity]

39. You mean if Bush had constitutional changes passed that did this:

Barred gender and sexual orientation discrimination?
Universalized social security?
Reduced the work week to 36 hours?
Guaranteed free eduction through university level?
Prohibited all monopolies?
Lowered the voting age to 16?
Prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender?
Portected primary homes from confiscation due to bankruptcy or other legal proceedings?

Yeah, I would call that a victory.

But wait there's more: http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=14409

[99th_Monkey]

49. You mean Mr. 25% Approval? I think not. n/t

[flyarm]

50. some did in 2000!! eom

[L. Coyote]

5. A Glance at Venezuela's Referendum

With a biased emphasis on R talking points??

============
A Glance at Venezuela's Referendum
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iWgqniGVu_qgHdpEc-G1xEbgi5xgD8T9GINO0


CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A referendum before Venezuelan voters Sunday asked them to decide on 69 changes to the constitution proposed by President Hugo Chavez and his congressional allies. The revisions include the following key changes:

_ Lengthening presidential terms from six to seven years. Eliminating terms limits to allow the president to run for re-election indefinitely.

_ Redrawing the country's political map and allowing the president to handpick provincial and municipal leaders.

_ Allowing the president to declare a state of emergency for an unlimited period, as long as "the causes that motivated it remain."

_ Prohibiting large land estates. Allowing the state to provisionally occupy property slated for expropriation before a court has ruled.

_ Prohibiting foreign funding for "associations with political aims." Critics warn this could be used to strangle human rights groups.

_ Creates three new classes of communal property, in addition to private and state property.

_ Establishing a socio-economic system based on "socialist, anti-imperialist principles."

_ Granting the president control over the Central Bank, which previously had autonomy.

_ Reducing the official workday from eight to six hours.

_ Reducing the minimum voting age from 18 to 16.

_ Creating a fund to pay social security benefits for the first time to workers in the informal economy, such as maids and street vendors.

[EFerrari]

7. These summaries always leave out the Equal Rights portion

too, which guarantees rights for gays, women and minorities. I guess they are listed in the order of importance to rightwing nutcases.

[1932]

10. Too true.

[Mika]

11. You forgot the main one! _ Prezdentferlife!

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[EFerrari]

28. I may have to put that in my sig line.

:evilgrin:

Let's be happy for a while until the mofos start their next move.

[JeanGrey]

13. Wow. Just, wow..........................

[Robbien]

14. Oh how evil, having the country being in control of its own money

instead of being in the hands of global corporate elite owners of Central Banks. Of all the clauses, this is the one clause which probably disturbs the owners of the world the most.

[EFerrari]

17. I think I read that most of the World Bank loans were out to Latin America?

Like over 80%?

No wonder they hate Hugo Chavez.

[Robbien]

33. The Central Bank is more important. Right now the Central Bank

is refusing to release Venezuela money. The Central Bank collects all oil revenues for Venezuela and only releases part of it back to the country. It keeps a large chunk of it in reserve even though Venezuela has no open obligations to the IMF/World Bank.

Losing control of Venezuela revenue is gonna hurt the global money men.

In regard to the IMF/World Bank and Latin America, it must really chap the global elite's butts that Chavez is loaning money to countries such as Brazil and Ecuador in order that those Latin American countries can pay off their IMF/World Bank debt and get out from under the privatization edicts.

[EFerrari]

38. I'm afraid that the vultures won't sit for this. n/t

[cherokeeprogressive]

36. Venezuelans won't be able to vote for their own provincial and municipal leaders?

Is this a good thing? How does it improve the life of the average Venezuelan? Take away their right to elect their own representation? That's a step forward?

"...allowing the president to handpick provincial and municipal leaders". That just kind of scares me. I can't imagine a US President handpicking local leaders.

"Allowing the state to provisionally occupy property slated for expropriation before a court has ruled". If the court isn't the entity who decides this matter, who is? Someone handpicked by Chavez?

[EFerrari]

41. That's spin. Buckle up.

No one has taken away their right to pick their own leaders. There's just another system being put in place in tandem that articulates with the central government. But, all these news reports are frickin' half truths.

As to the other, that's why it is provisional. The court does decide.

[Warren Stupidity]

40. Here is a more extensive summary

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=14409

The full spanish text is linked in the article.

[L. Coyote]

9. Voting ends in Venezuelan constitutional referendum - Summary

Voting ends in Venezuelan constitutional referendum - Summary
Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:17:02 GMT
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/151963.html


Caracas - Voting ended Sunday in Venezuela in a referendum on constitutional amendments that would eliminate term-limits for President Hugo Chavez. Preliminary official results were expected later in the evening. The media are not allowed to reveal exit polls or other projections before that first report.

The reform, if approved, would pave the way for a socialist form of government and allow Chavez to stand for unlimited re-election as president. Chavez, already re-elected once, would have to step down in 2012 under current rules.

"We congratulate the people which went out to vote, to express their opinion," National Electoral Council president Tibisay Lucena said at the end of polling.

Lucena said the voting process was "perfect and beautiful," and took place in peace.

But police said 45 people were arrested in Caracas over several electoral crimes. Media reports said opposition politician Raul Baduel - a former defence minister under Chavez - was threatened with a firearm. One man was arrested in the incident after he ran over four people in his attempt to escape authorities.

No violent clashes were reported ...........

[L. Coyote]

12. Chavez wins referendum: gov't sources

Reuters in Caracas seems to be the source for aljazeera.net.

=================
Chavez wins referendum: gov't sources
Sun Dec 2, 2007 5:27 PM EST
http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-12-02T222710Z_01_N02357212_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-VENEZUELA-REFERENDUM-COL.XML


By Saul Hudson and Ana Isabel Martinez

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez appeared headed for victory on Sunday in a referendum on allowing the leftist to rule for as long as he keeps winning elections, government-linked sources said, citing exit polls.

Three exit polls showed Chavez won by between six and eight percentage points in a vote where turnout was low, the two sources said.

...........

The opposition, which Chavez has soundly defeated in almost yearly votes, had pointed to some pre-referendum polls showing it could win.

"In my opinion, these are not the (real) numbers. The government is wrong," said Delsa Solorzano, a member of the New Time party at the opposition's referendum headquarters in Caracas.

Foreign investors worry that the opposition could contest the result if it suspects fraud, sparking political turbulence after a campaign marred by violent street clashes.

.................

[EFerrari]

42. "These are not the real numbers."

We know, lady. Your skewed polls tried to make sure these numbers would be doubted.

[malaise]

15. This is a good source

http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID={78E0F87B-DDD5-412D-A661-A41B20E31E65})&language=EN

[EFerrari]

22. La Prensa requires registration. n/t

[maddezmom]

29. just hit home on the front page

and the articles come up :hi:

[EFerrari]

32. Thank you again!

:hi:

[Mr_Monday]

18. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! nt

[Karenina]

26. Yes.

[Karenina]

83. No.

[Cha]

19. Good! Now maybe

Chavez can help his country stay outta the grips of the bushite OIL Grabbers.

[EFerrari]

20. This dictator just gave health care and social security to day laborers.

He must be stopped immediately.

[Cha]

25. They don't know dick.

We got the dick right here in an undisclosed bunker.

[EFerrari]

27. And I hope he's choking on this. It will be very hard for those criminals

to turn back the tide of democracy in Latin America now.

They fucked up big time via their obsession with the Middle East.

[Cha]

46. Ohhh, I hope

So! Living in a Democracy, vicariously here.

[Pavulon]

56. Gave himself the central bank

which is more telling. Now he can disperse the currency reserve that is in the tens of billions to the people like the gulf arab states. Lets see how that works out. Maybe everyone will get a big cut. The E Class will be staple transportation.

Mmm, no, dont think so. On my next drive around caracas, there will still be ranchos, and different wealthy class.

Taking bets..

[L. Coyote]

23. eluniversal.com: Chávez says that any results should be accepted

Chávez says that any results should be accepted
http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/02/en_refco_art_chavez-says-that-any_02A1238279.shtml

After casting his ballot in "23 de Enero" parish, western Caracas, President Hugo Chávez reposed hope in acknowledgment by all the country's sectors of the results to be provided by the National Electoral Council (CNE), "whatever they are."

"I am certain that the results will be ready in early hours, given the Venezuelan electoral system, which is one of the most modern and transparent in the world. And then, as soon as the CNE releases the results, we will accept them no matter what they will be," he said.

Chávez recalled that some minority groups made an appeal to dismiss the results, but he said, "I am certain that we, Venezuelans, will continue on our way to build the 21st century Venezuela."

...............

** Databank

Over 16 million Venezuelans should cast their votes in some 11,131 polling stations in a referendum to decide on changes to 69 out of 350 articles of the 1999 Venezuelan Constitution. It is expected that observers from around 40 countries will be monitoring the electoral process. Likewise, some 150,000 trained personnel from the Armed Forces and around 300,000 troops from other army units are to guarantee the security during the voting process.

** Quotable

"Those who vote NO are doing a favor to George W. Bush. Our real opponent, our real enemy is the US Empire. On Sunday we are going to deal another knockout blow to the American imperialism. Nobody should forget that it is the backdrop of the battle."
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez

[L. Coyote]

30. Chávez's followers closed pro-reform campaign with rally on Bolívar Avenue

Chávez's followers closed pro-reform campaign on Bolívar Avenue
http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/11/30/en_refco_art_chavezs-followers-c_30A1231239.shtml


IMAGES: People came from all over the country to support Hugo Chávez

Around 4:00 pm, the Venezuelan ruler is expected to address the supporters of his intended changes to the Constitution (Photo: ABN)
Demonstrators endorsing the constitutional reform proposed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez -which Venezuelans are to vote next December 2- gathered on the Bolívar Avenue

Government followers started to rally on Friday early afternoon on Bolívar Avenue, downtown Caracas, to endorse the changes to the Constitution advanced by President Hugo Chávez and close the electoral campaign ahead of next December 2nd referendum.

Groups of President Chávez's followers in red vests and a large number of buses from the province appeared since early morning in the streets near the main avenue.

Jesse Chacón, a leader of pro-government electoral taskforce Comando Zamora, said that demonstrators were gathering in several places in Caracas. They did not stage a march, but a rally on Bolívar Avenue. President Chávez addressed the supporters ....

...............

[Whisp]

31. V for Venezuela! k&r.

[Peace Patriot]

43. NO OFFICIAL RESULTS YET! Only 70% of vote counted so far, with 55% audit

still to come. It could be 7-8 pm (Calif time)--a couple of hours from now--before the official vote is announced. IT IS ILLEGAL IN VENEZUELA to release exit poll info before official results--because exit polling in Venezuela is often very unreliable, often funded by Bush USAID-NED and interested global corporate predators, with the rightwing using false polls in coup plots. Reuters is of course not bound by Venezuelan law--outside of its borders anyway--but it doesn't surprise me that they are flipping the bird at Venezuelan law by sneaking this info out of the country.

That Al-Jazeera got their info from Reuters explains the anti-Chavez bias in the Al-Jazeera report, which apparently just copied and pasted Reuter's nasty text.

[L. Coyote]

51. The Venezuelans are not supposed to release the exit poll results until afterwards.

Someone is not playing by the rules, it seems, and leaked this to Reuters.
I assume the Reuters journalists in Caracas know their sources well enough for this to be trustworthy rumor.
This leak gives opponents a chance to "calm down" I guess, between when they get the rumor and the facts.

[Peace Patriot]

52. Exit polls are unreliable in Venezuela. ONLY the official result is reliable.

I don't trust Reuters. What if the win is reversed in the official count? That could be the plan--to spark a civil war. I'll wait for the official count.

See my comment #26 for a bit more discussion, at
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3782975

[EFerrari]

53. On a scale of 1 to 10, Reuters may be about a 6 in reliability.

Certainly not so actively virulent as many outlets.

But, I agree about the polling.

[L. Coyote]

60. Exit polls are unreliable in the USA. We will see if Venezuela has the same problem!!

[L. Coyote]

44. Breaking: Anti-reform bloc urges Chávez's government "to stay calm"

Oh yeah, this is rich. "...anyone who has violent gangs in the streets should withdraw them from the streets."

==============
Anti-reform bloc urges Chávez's government "to stay calm"
Caracas, Sunday December 02 , 2007
http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/02/en_refco_art_anti-reform-bloc-urg_02A1239199.shtml

Opposition Un Nuevo Tiempo party leader and member of the anti-reform bloc Gerardo Blyde urged Venezuelans to stay calm, following a referendum on substantial changes to the Constitution.

"There are voters waiting in line and they have the right to cast their ballot."
Blyde told Minister of Communication Willian Lara, "The country knows the results and the government has an obligation to ensure peace."

"I am asking Plan República to stay calm and show good sense. We have to wait. Let us not rush things."

He urged the people witnessing the electoral audit at the balloting centers to stay calm and act with good sense.

Blyde suggested the government "to leave the nerves aside, and anyone who has violent gangs in the streets should withdraw them from the streets."

=======================
Daily News > Photo Gallery > 2007 Constitutional Referendum > http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/02/en_refco_fot_2007-constitutional_02A1238437.shtml

Since early hours on Sunday, Venezuelans went to polling stations in order to exercise their right and vote on a referendum on the proposed changes to the national Constitution.

[EFerrari]

45. LOL. Project-O-rama! n/t

[alcibiades_mystery]

The oligarchs do this every time

Making up crazy stories, instigating nonsenses, shooting their own people. These idiots are desperate.

[galileo3000]

48. Yuck

[Pavulon]

55. Now ONE MAN

controls the us equivilent of the GAO, FED banking system, and Congress. Read what he just won.

If this happened in the states by any vote anyone with sense would decry it, then leave.

And the reason for all the commotion.

[24HRrnr]

58. Premature

http://daniel-venezuela.blogspot.com/ is telling a different story.

Wait for the official results.

[EFerrari]

61. Why did you chose this rightwing blog of all the available ones?

[24HRrnr]

68. Because I search everywhere for info

instead of living in an echo chamber. And this struck me as very interesting. That a problem?

Or should I only use "approved" news sources?

And, btw, if I had any capacity for languages, I would go to direct sources and not rely on out of country sites - including DU.

[EFerrari]

72. There are other choices between the echo chamber

and linking to obviously right wing blogs. But I understand in a way -- it has been hard to get information that isn't spun by someone.

[Gregorian]

59. As long as the right person is in power, this referendum is good.

If this were Bush, it would be a nightmare.

Still, I understand the reasoning behind concern. This does give one man more power. But more than that, in my understanding of it, it gives the left more power. While they're in the majority and in office. I'm nervous about what happens when there is another coup, and the goons get into office. Extended state of emergency, no term limit... Hmm.

As a liberal, I love it.

[EFerrari]

63. They'll be okay. Democracy is a habit. In truth, the people

of Latin America tend to socialism left to their own devices. It has been our intrusions that has derailed democracy there.

If they are left to work this out on their own, I bet you it will be fine.

[Gregorian]

86. It's just what I've always thought.

Reality is liberal. Sort of like seeing a wounded animal. Most people tend to want to help. Only those like Bush (damaged goods) want to stare and laugh.

As much as this sucks, you give me reason for being optimistic. And I'll add something else to this. I know it's my signature comment, but petroleum plays a role in our apathy. So maybe by the time we drop, we'll see a country of caring, responsible people.

Or maybe it's not even petroleum as much as their value of people over wealth. The "Who wants to be a millionaire" type of thinking just isn't in their mentality. There IS a problem with the easy life this country has provided.

Or something like that. :)

[alcibiades_mystery]

62. Good...the lies about it being close were like Rove predicting he'd win New jersey

Pure theater for morons.

This thing was in the bag from the git.

[L. Coyote]

70. Opposition rejects early publication of electoral results in foreign media

Opposition rejects early publication of electoral results in foreign media
http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/02/en_refco_art_opposition-rejects-e_02A1239361.shtml


Opposition La Causa R party leader Andrés Velázquez congratulated the Venezuelan people for "taking up the standard of freedom," and rejected the fact that government sources are leaking information that the constitutional reform proposed by President Hugo Chávez was approved in Sunday referendum.

Velázquez urged the foreign news media to stop echoing information that favors Chávez's government. "This report has been spread in the government's interest."

Opposition Primero Justicia party leader Julio Borges visited the headquarters of the National Electoral Council (CNE), claiming he saw "much agitation and desperation on the government side."

"They are disclosing wrong results and are visiting (foreign) media to force the results."

[Freddie Stubbs]

84. It wasn't close?

:shrug:

[alcibiades_mystery]

88. Color me wrong

:shrug:

Never happened to you, I'm sure. :-)

[Freddie Stubbs]

90. It is interesting that you characterized what others said as 'lies,' but

when you were incorrect, you were just 'wrong.'

Fascinating.

[alcibiades_mystery]

91. Indeed

Fascinating. The difference would have to do with knowledge, I suppose.

In any case, you are a gracious soul.

[HughMoran]

85. Lies?

Pure theater for morons?

...in the bag?

Yikes, you must be pissed today :(

[alcibiades_mystery]

89. Actually, no

I'm comfortable with being wrong. I was basing my assessment on the past few Venezuelan elections, during which the opposition made up all sorts of lies that turned out to be lies.

I was wrong. I admit it. It doesn't piss me off in the least bit, because I'm a grown up. :hi:

[Rex]

64. So as long as he keeps winning elections, he can stay?

Is that like a global insult to Commander Clown? I bet George would like that idea for himself.

[gulfcoastliberal]

65. K&R for Socialism. Viva la revolucion! nt

[EFerrari]

66. Ministers say Chavez wins close vote

By Saul Hudson and Ana Isabel Martinez

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez appeared headed for victory on Sunday in a referendum on allowing the leftist to rule for as long as he keeps winning elections, three government ministers said, citing early data.

Exit polls and early counts by party members showed the anti-U.S. leader won by at least six percentage points in a vote where turnout was low, said the three ministers, who asked not to be named.

Vice President Jorge Rodriguez told reporters the vote was "close", and opposition politicians questioned the government's poll numbers.

"They are trying to create rumours to present themselves as winners, as victors," Andres Velasquez, an opposition leader said. "We want to deny it categorically, emphatically."

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2007-12-03T014436Z_01_N02357212_RTRUKOC_0_UK-VENEZUELA-REFERENDUM.xml

[L. Coyote]

69. Venezuelan Constitutional Reform Vote Concludes Peacefully

Venezuelan Constitutional Reform Vote Concludes Peacefully
Dec 2nd 2007, by Gregory Wilpert and Chris Carlson – Venezuelanalysis.com
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news/2949


Caracas and Mérida - Voting on President Chavez's constitutional reform proposal proceeded normally today in practically all of Venezuela, with only a very few minor incidents reported. Most voting stations closed on time, at 4pm, with a few remain open a bit longer, while those in line finished voting.....

As has become custom in Venezuela, sound trucks drove through the streets of the capital Caracas, sounding a wake-up call trumpet at around 4am, to wake people up to go out to vote. Voting centers opened at 6am and in many places lines began forming at 5am.

Reports from voting centers indicated that participation was good and the voting process was relatively fast and smooth, compared to previous electoral events. Opposition voting center witnesses often claimed, though, that the indelible ink that voters dip their finger in to mark that they have voted, was not really indelible, suggesting that voting more than once might be possible.

Also, technical mishaps occurred in some voting centers, so that some voting machines did not work, but the Tibisay Lucena, the president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), said that the percentages of failing voting machines was within the normal bounds and that they could be replaced in time, so that only minor delays occurred.

The publication of exit polls or anticipated results, prior to the first official CNE results, is strictly forbidden by CNE regulations. Nonetheless, some international news agencies and the rumor mill within Venezuela raised hopes on both sides that their side was winning. .......

.........

[L. Coyote]

71. Rep. Mack: "a gateway for Ahmadinejad and Iran to bring-in their anti-United States policies."

Rep. Mack: "Chavez is looking to be a dictator"
By WINK News - Dec 2, 2007 at 8:26 PM EST
http://www.winknews.com/news/local/12039146.html


Republican Congressman Connie Mack from Southwest Florida spent part of his day getting a history lesson ....

.... WINK News had the chance to ask him about his views on the future of Venezuela and it's president, Hugo Chavez.

Rep. Mack said, "Hugo Chavez is looking to be a dictator and then basically a gateway for Ahmadinejad and Iran to bring-in their anti-United States policies."

[Saboburns]

76. You know,

Nothing says Dictatorship like having a Referendum/

[ileus]

81. When Hillary is prez will Hugo still be the good guy?

[L. Coyote]

82. HOLD EVERYTHING. Result disputed and count continues. Announcement delayed.

New thread with the latest Breaking News:

BREAKING: CARACAS, Venezuela = Constitution referendum is said to be too close to call.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2392282

[Freddie Stubbs]

87. Will they ever release these 'exit polls'

:shrug: